The budget framework assumes that any additional "trigger cuts" in the current fiscal year will be one-time and not affect the ongoing base of state support the CSU receives.The CSU faces an additional mid-year cut of up to $100 million--on top of an already enacted cut of $650 million--if state revenue forecasts are not met. This would reduce the CSU’s state funding to $2 billion or a year-over-year reduction of 27 percent in state support.

An updated and detailed budget recommendation will be presented to the board for action in November. More information.

Student Alcohol-related Misconduct Decreasing

Alcohol-related misconduct by students and students driving after consuming alcohol are both on the decline at the California State University’s campuses according to a report given to the CSU’s Board of Trustees this week.

“The California State University Alcohol Policies and Prevention Programs: Fifth Biennial Report” summarizes activities at campuses in support of the implementation of CSU's alcohol policies and prevention programs. Key findings include:

A reduction in the number of underage students who consume alcohol;

A reduction in the number of students who reported binge drinking;

An increase in the number of students who seek medical assistance for intoxicated friends;

And an increase in alcohol-free events.

The CSU Alcohol Policies and Prevention Programs Committee was appointed by Chancellor Charles B. Reed in 2000 to help prevent alcohol-induced deaths and alcohol poisoning of CSU students. Chaired by Fresno State President John Welty, the committee includes presidents, students, faculty, staff and alumni. The CSU's alcohol policy is recognized as the most comprehensive of any university system in the country and is a collaborative effort with other state agencies.

Many campuses have expanded efforts related to prescription drug use and abuse and the 2011 report represents the first time that campuses reported on the topic. View the report.

Participation Rates and Scholarships for Women Athletes at the CSU Continue to Grow

Female student athletic participation at the California State University continues to increase, according to a report reviewing gender equity in athletics that was presented to the CSU’s Board of Trustees this week.

Participation by female student athletes has increased by more than 125 percent since the study began in 1993. In the 2009-10 academic year, there were 4,202 female athletes at CSU campuses and the proportion of female athletes virtually matched the proportion of female students at the CSU that year.

This is particularly relevant given that there are approximately 87,000 more students system-wide than when the study began as well as the higher proportion of women now attending the CSU.

Funding for grants-in-aid has increased by 596 percent since the inception of the study.In 1993, the CSU's NCAA member campuses allocated funding of $2.5 million for grants-in-aid and that total increased to $17.4 million in 2009-10.

In 1993, the CSU and the California National Organization for Women (CA NOW) entered into a consent decree to increase participation, funding and grants-in aid and scholarships for female students in intercollegiate athletics on NCAA member campuses. By March of 2000 it was determined that the consent decree was satisfied. Since then the CSU has voluntarily monitored its progress. View the report.

Students Honored for Perseverance, Achievement

Twenty-three of the CSU’s most outstanding students who have overcome adversities such as homelessness, drug abuse and domestic violence were honored by the CSU’s Board of Trustees at its meeting this week.

The William R. Hearst/CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement is given to one student at each campus who has experienced personal hardships, demonstrated financial need, and shown superior academic performance, exemplary community service and significant personal achievements. Each student was presented with a $3,000 scholarship by the trustees, and also received a Sony VAIO notebook and a camera as part of Sony’s education scholarship program with the CSU. This is the third year that Sony has donated the technology packages to the Hearst Scholars.

Former Chair of the CSU Board of Trustees and Trustee Emeritus Murray L. Galinson also endowed a scholarship fund to recognize a Hearst Scholar for extraordinary public service. Joshua Travis Morse of San Diego State and Eliza Manuela Ramirez of CSU Fullerton were recognized as this year’s Trustee Murray L. Galinson Scholars and awarded $6,000 each.

Two new scholarships were awarded this year. The Trustee William Hauck Scholarship ($4,000), endowed by CSU Trustee William Hauck to recognize the Heart/Trustees’ Scholar from San José State University, was given to Jennifer Elias. In addition, Mario Giron-Abrego of CSU Los Angeles was named the CSU Foundation Board of Governors’ Scholar. Sponsored by CSU Foundation Board Chair Ronald B. Barhorst, the $6,000 scholarship recognizes a scholar who exemplifies significant achievement both academically and in service to community. More information.

CSU Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Reflecting on the CSU’s impact on their lives, a student, faculty member and renowned alumnus shared stories of their achievements as part of the CSU’s 50th anniversary celebration held during the CSU’s Board of Trustees meeting this week.

Co-anchor of CNBC’s Closing Bell and CSU Northridge alumnus Bill Griffeth said his career success is directly related to opportunities he gained as a student. “When asked why I give back to Northridge, it’s because my life started here. I got my start in journalism, I met my wife, and doors were opened for me in ways I never imagined,” Griffeth said.

San Francisco State Associate Professor of Biology and researcher Gretchen LeBuhn, director of “The Great Sunflower Project,” reported on how the CSU’s influence is being felt nationally. The project’s more than 100,000 volunteer participants across the country are helping LeBuhn understand the implications of a declining bee population and its effects on agriculture. “We have volunteers from elementary school children to senior citizens engaged in science research that wouldn’t be possible if we had to pay for this type of endeavor.”

And CSU Dominguez Hills’ student and Hearst Award recipient LaTangia Oliver discussed how the CSU continues to positively impact today’s students. ”This university is so important to all the people of California,” noted Oliver who was a Guardian Scholar and bachelor’s degree recipient at CSU Fullerton and is a now a graduate student at Dominguez Hills with plans to go to law school.

A special 50th anniversary video highlighting some of the CSU’s most prominent alumni was shown and several segments of the video are airing as public service announcements throughout the state. View the spots.